Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Prelude to this Year's Trip

This is going to be my third trip to Africa and promises to be the best!



Ben and Melody Pahlow are two of my closest and dearest friends. They have been by my side during some of the darkest moments of my life. Their kids, Amber, Nathan, Michael and young Hope are practically like family to me.



In 2005, I almost had the opportunty to join Ben, Melody, Jake and Angela Kirchner among others on a trip to Rwanda. In 2006 with the help of a lot of faith in God (and expungement of records) that dream was finally realized. As I am fluent in French, and French is an official language of Rwanda, I was able to lend this God given abillity to the cause of helping the poorest of the poor.



This year Andy Bauer, an alum of the 2006 trip joins me along with his father Terry as part of team 1.



In 2007 I made my first trip to Uganda with GFR. God touched me to select the family that I presently sponsor. I am looking forward to visiting them. I am also looking forward to spending time and speaking French with Bosco and visiting my good friend Nakimuli Ruth.



This year Lee Springer, an alum of the 2007 trip joins me as part of team 1. Silvia Alvarez, an alum of the 2007 trip is going with team 3. Renata Donis, another good friend is going to be in Uganda for all three teams.



I can't say enough about my b uddy Bill Borbas. Originally I was the team leader. Fortunately for the sake of team 1, Bill Borbas is going to be the co-leader. This to me is how foolishness has its own reward. (My reward) I might bungle things up and nobody would be laughing (Not even me)



Rounding out the rest of team 1, Brian Rathman (experienced in African travel), Jaclyn Pociask, Harrison Wegner, and Jamie Lynn Boban.



Another Bonus of this trip is Team 1 gets to go through Brussels, Belgium instead of London. The Belgians are great! They speak French, (some do) they put butter on their bread, and they have in their country a statue...